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G’day, Fellow Wanderer!

So here’s the scene: you’ve landed in Bangkok (or Berlin, or Buenos Aires), your backpack’s feeling heavier than your last bad date, and you’re adventuring solo. You’re excited, sure—but maybe you’re also secretly wondering how to stop eating instant noodles alone in your hostel bunk and actually make some mates. Trust me, I’ve been there. I’m Mikki, a solo traveller from Australia who’s eaten more questionable street food than I care to admit—and I’ve picked up a few tips on how to make friends solo travel.

Whether you’re a seasoned soloist or this is your very first jaunt, this guide is your cheat sheet to meeting brilliant, hilarious, life-long pals on the road (and maybe even a partner-in-crime for that midnight tuk-tuk dash).

Why Making Friends on the Road Matters

Travelling solo can be absolutely liberating—no one to compromise with, you call the shots, you can devour an entire pizza at 2 am if that’s your jam. But without anyone to share the experience, even the coolest sights can feel a bit hollow. Having a travel buddy:

• Makes adventures more fun (two people will laugh twice as hard at a dodgy street performer).
• Keeps you safer in sketchy neighbourhoods.
• Helps cut costs—you can split cabs, accommodation, cooking duty.
• Gives you someone to reminisce with over a cold beer when you’re back home.

In short, making friends turns your trip from “nice holiday” into “epic adventure.”

Choose Social Accommodation with Hostelworld

If you’re serious about meeting people, ditch the isolated Airbnb and book into a social hostel. Hostels are designed for interaction. You’ll have shared kitchens, common rooms, pub crawls—you name it. My go-to site is Hostelworld. They’ve got a massive selection, honest reviews, and I earn a small commission when you book through that link (cheers!).

Top tips for choosing the right hostel:
• Look for properties with “morning yoga” or “family-style dinners” listed in activities.
• Check the vibe in traveller photos—do people look friendly, or is everyone glued to their phone?
• Pick female-only dorms if you’d rather ease in gently.

Once you’re in, introduce yourself at breakfast or offer to share your coffee. Instant ice-breaker!

Get Out with Group Activities and Tours

One of the easiest ways to meet likeminded travellers is joining group tours and activities. It could be a free walking tour, a cooking class, a kayak trip—or yes, a pub crawl (I might be partial). When you’re all sweating over the same street-food stall or stomping grapes in Tuscany, you’ve already got something in common. Try:

• Free walking tours—ideal for history buffs and newbies alike.
• Day-trips to nearby highlights (waterfalls, wineries, ruins).
• Cooking classes—you’ll bond over that hot chilli.
• Pub crawls—yes, you’ll be tipsy, but also guaranteed to make friends.

Sites like GetYourGuide and Viator list thousands of small-group experiences. I always find that the guides themselves become part of my travel posse.

Use Apps and Online Communities to Connect

These days there’s an app for everything, and meeting travel buddies is no exception. If you’re a bit shy in person, start online:

• Couchsurfing Hangouts—invite locals or travellers for coffee.
• Meetup—check local hiking groups, language exchanges, board-game nights.
• Facebook groups—search “Backpacking Southeast Asia 2024” or “Digital Nomads in Lisbon.”
• Travel-specific apps like Travello or Backpackr.

And don’t forget about connectivity. Grab a cheap eSIM from Airalo so you’re always online (avoiding a frantic “Can I borrow your phone?” moment).

Master the Art of Hostel Bar Banter

Hostel bars are ground zero for meeting fellow nomads. The trick is to be approachable:

• Pull up a stool next to someone who’s already there.
• Order a local beer and ask what they’re drinking.
• Suggest a quick drinking game or a round of pool.

Remember, everyone’s there to socialise. Share travel stories, ask where they’re headed next, and maybe propose a communal toast. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can go from “Who are you?” to “We’re road-tripping tomorrow!”

Co-working Spaces and Cafés Are Underrated Social Hubs

If you’re a digital nomad or just need a quiet spot to check emails, co-working spaces can be surprisingly sociable. You’re already sitting next to people typing away; it’s easy to lean over and ask:

“Hey, do you know any good lunch spots nearby?”

Suddenly you’re swapping recommendations, sharing Wi-Fi tips, or even collaborating on a project. Many spaces host weekly socials or skill-swap events. If co-working isn’t your style, find a café with communal tables—people are more open to chats over a flat white than you might think.

Embrace Local Experiences and Language Classes

Sometimes the best friends you make won’t be other travellers but locals. Immerse yourself in neighborhood culture:

• Take a language class—learning a few phrases breaks down barriers and locals appreciate the effort.
• Join a community volunteer project—help out at an animal shelter, teach English, build trails.
• Attend local festivals or sports events—you’ll end up shoulder-to-shoulder with friendly faces.

You might meet someone who invites you over for a home-cooked meal, or you’ll gain an insider’s guide to hidden gems off the tourist trail. I once met a chef in Vietnam who showed me the best pho stalls after my cooking class—priceless.

Stay Safe While Making New Mates

Making pals is brilliant, but safety comes first. Here are a few ground rules:

• Share your itinerary (and any new friend’s details) with someone back home or use a service like World Nomads for peace of mind travel insurance.
• Meet in public places until you trust someone.
• Keep important documents locked away; carry photocopies or digital scans.
• Listen to your gut. If someone feels off, create a polite escape plan.

With those in place, you can lean into new connections without anxiety.

Keep the Connection Alive

Once you’ve exchanged Instagram handles or WhatsApp numbers, don’t let your newfound friendships fizzle out. Plan that Skype call, tag them in memes, share photos, and when your paths cross again—bingo—you’ve got a travel buddy reunion. I’ve got friends I met in a hostel in Barcelona who I now visit on every trip to Spain. It’s gold.

Wrapping Up Your Solo Social Strategy

Travelling alone doesn’t have to mean eating tacos by yourself at sunset (although sometimes that’s awesome too). By choosing social accommodation like those you’ll find on Hostelworld, joining group tours, tapping into apps and cafés, and venturing into local experiences, you’ll quickly build a squad of fellow wanderers.

At the end of the day, solo travel is about pushing your comfort zone just enough that you come home with epic stories—and some new best friends. So pack your bag, smile at the next person you see, and let the adventures (and friendships) begin.

Happy travels—and happy making friends, mate!

P.S. If you try any of these tips, drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @mikki.travels. I want to hear your stories!